Valve assembly for respiratory systems

ABSTRACT

An adapter assembly including a manifold and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a seat and a valve body having a circular base and a wall. The wall extends from a trailing side of the base to form a dome-like shape terminating at an end at which a slit is formed, with the wall defining opposing sealing edges at the slit. The seat has an upper circumferential surface and a lower circumferential surface. The upper surface engages a leading side of the base, whereas the lower surface engages a trailing side. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces forms a segment of increased height. Upon final assembly, the valve body is disposed across a passageway of the manifold, with the slit providing a selectively openable path. A force imparted by the segment of increased height flexes the base and biases the sealing edges into engagement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/511,395, filed Jul. 29, 2009, entitled, “Valve Assembly forRespiratory Systems,” which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/084,424, filed Jul. 29, 2008, entitled “ClosedSuction Catheter Adapter with Flush Arrangement, and Valve AssemblyUseful Therewith,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to airway access adapters usedin respiratory applications. More particular, it relates to adapters andrelated closed suction catheter systems with enhanced cleaning orflushing capabilities, as well as optional valve configurations usefultherewith.

Use of ventilators and related breathing circuits to assist in patientbreathing is well known in the art. For example, during surgery andother medical procedures, the patient is often connected to a ventilatorto provide respiratory gases to the patient. In many instances, themechanical ventilation is connected into the patient's respiratory tractvia an artificial airway, such as a tracheostomy tube, endotrachealtube, etc.

While the breathing circuit can establish a single, direct fluidconnection between the ventilator and the artificial airway, in manyinstances, caregivers desire the ability to introduce instruments and/ormaterials into the breathing circuit. To satisfy these needs, airwayaccess adapters have been developed. In general terms, an airway accessadapter is a manifold-type body providing at least three fluidlyconnected ports including a ventilator port, a respiratory port, and anaccess port. During use, the airway access adapter is assembled to thebreathing circuit with the ventilator fluidly connected to theventilator port and the artificial airway fluidly connected to therespiratory port. With this configuration, the access port enablescaregivers to, for example, insert instruments for visualization orrelated procedures, or to aspirate fluid or secretions from thepatient's airway. Typically, the airway access adapter provides a sealor valve configuration across the access port so that pressures requiredto maintain ventilation of the patient are not lost via the access port.Airway access adapters are well accepted, and are highly beneficialespecially with patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation.

As indicated above, the airway access adapter facilitates use of avariety of different tools within the breathing circuit. One such toolis a closed suction catheter system used to remove secretions or fluidsfrom the airways of a ventilated patient. To prevent loss of ventilatingpressures, the catheter is made part of the sealed breathing circuit sothat the circuit does not need to be “opened” in order to suction thepatient's airways. Additionally, so that the catheter can remainuncontaminated by environmental micro-organisms, or contaminated bycaregivers, the closed suction catheter system oftentimes includes asheath that covers the portion of the catheter outside the breathingcircuit. With this configuration, the closed suction catheter system canbe left attached to the breathing circuit (via the airway accessadapter) between suctioning procedures. Over time, however, secretionsand other materials may accumulate at the working end of the catheter,necessitating periodic cleaning of the catheter. One common cleaningapproach entails flushing the catheter end with a fluid such as salineor water to maintain patency and to prevent a stagnation of a media forbacterial growth.

Existing closed suction catheter systems and related airway accessadapters employ one of two configurations that enable flushing of thesuction catheter system. With one approach, the suction catheter isreadily removed from the airway access adapter, and incorporates a flushport otherwise attached to the suction catheter components thatfacilitates cleaning. With this approach, the flush port is removed fromthe airway access adapter along with other components of the suctioningcatheter system. Conversely, where the suction catheter system (andrelated airway access adapter) is solely for closed suction applications(i.e., the catheter cannot be detached from the airway access adapter),a flush port is provided with the airway access adapter itself. Sincethe catheter cannot be removed, the flush port is located so as tointroduce the cleaning fluid near the tip of the catheter when thecatheter is fully withdrawn from the patient's airway and into theprotective sheath.

While the two suction catheter cleaning configurations described aboveare highly useful, certain drawbacks remain. With removablecatheter/flush port designs, other instruments passed into the accessport of the airway access adapter (following the removal of the closedsuction catheter system) are not easily cleaned. That is to say, oncethe flush port is removed, it is no longer available for facilitatingcleaning of other instruments. Conversely, with available airway accessadapters incorporating a flush port, the suction catheter is not readilyremoved, and cannot be replaced with other instruments, thus limiting anoverall usefulness of the adapter. Along these same lines, modifying anairway access adapter having a flush port to removably accept a suctioncatheter (via a slip fit seal) would result in the slip fit sealblocking the flush port, and thus is not viable.

In addition to the drawbacks associated with current flush portconfigurations, airway access adapters commonly include a valve of sometype that closes the access port during periods of non-use, and promotessealed insertion of various instruments therethrough. In this regard,conventional check valves and/or flap valves are widely employed, butlong-term, repeated sealing of the valve is less than optimal.

In light of the above, needs exist for improved airway access adaptersas well as closed suction catheter systems used therewith.

SUMMARY

One aspect provides an adapter assembly for connecting a respiratorydevice to an artificial airway of a patient, including a manifold and avalve assembly. The manifold forms and fluidly interconnects aventilator port, a respiratory port, and an access port. The manifoldhas a conduit forming a passageway extending from, and fluidly connectedto, the access port. The valve assembly selectively closes thepassageway and includes a valve body and a valve seat structure. Thevalve body has opposing first and second ends and an internal chamber.The valve body has a circular base and a wall. The circular base hasleading and trailing sides, wherein the leading side defines the firstend of the valve body. The wall extends from the trailing side of thebase to form a dome-like shape terminating at the second end. A slit isformed through a thickness of the wall and open to the chamber at thesecond end. The wall defines opposing sealing edges at the slit. Thevalve seat structure forms along the conduit and sealingly maintains thebase. The valve seat structure has an upper circumferential surface anda lower circumferential surface. The upper circumferential surfaceengages the leading side of the base. The lower circumferential surfaceengages the trailing side of the base. At least one of the upper andlower surfaces forms a segment of increased height. Upon final assembly,the valve body is disposed across the passageway with the slit providinga selectively openable path through the valve assembly, and a forceimparted by the segment of increased height flexing the base and biasingthe opposing sealing edges into engagement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a respiratory apparatus in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of an airway access adapterassembly portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a portion of a closed sectioncatheter assembly component of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is a side view of valve body useful with a valve devicecomponent the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the valve body of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the valve body of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the valve body of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an airway accessadapter including a valve device in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a component of the valve device of FIG.7, illustrating a portion of a valve seat structure;

FIGS. 8B and 8C are cross-sectional views of the component of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is an enlarged, perspective view of another component of thevalve device of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9B and 9C are cross-sectional views of the component of FIG. 9A;and

FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the airway access adapterof FIG. 7 upon final assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some aspects in accordance with the present disclosure relate to anairway access adapter for use in a ventilator circuit, along with aclosed suction catheter assembly useful with the airway access adapter.With this in mind, one embodiment of a respiratory apparatus 20 isillustrated in FIG. 1, and includes an airway access adapter assembly(or “adapter assembly”) 22 and a closed suction catheter assembly 24.Details on the various components are provided below. In general terms,however, the adapter assembly 22 is configured for placement within apatient breathing circuit (not shown), fluidly interconnecting anartificial airway (not shown) that is otherwise in direct fluidcommunication with a patient's respiratory tract (e.g., via anendotracheal tube, tracheostomy tube, etc.) with a source of mechanicalventilation (e.g., tubing connected to a ventilator). Further, theadapter assembly 22 facilitates removable insertion of instruments intothe breathing circuit, including the suction catheter assembly 24. Tothis end, the adapter assembly 22 and the suction catheter assembly 24incorporate corresponding features that promote cleaning of the suctioncatheter assembly 24 while the suction catheter assembly 24 remainsattached to the adapter assembly 22.

With the above in mind, the adapter assembly 22 includes a manifoldhousing 30 forming or providing a ventilator port 32, a respiratory port34, an access port 36 and a flush port 38. As best shown in FIGS. 2A and2B, the housing 30 fluidly interconnects the ports 32-38, and theadapter assembly 22 further includes a valve device 40 adjacent theaccess port 36.

The ventilator port 32 is illustrated in FIG. 2A, and is configured forfluid connection to a ventilator 33 (FIG. 1), for example via tubing. Inthis regard, the adapter assembly 22 can include additional componentsuseful in establishing and maintaining the desired fluid connection,such as a swivel-type coupling, a seal, etc.

The respiratory port 34 is configured for fluid connection to anartificial airway 35 (FIG. 1) otherwise establishing a direct connectionto the patient's respiratory tract. For example, the respiratory port 34can be connected to tubing that in turn is fluidly connected to anendotracheal tube or a tracheostomy tube; alternatively, the artificialairway 35 can be directly connected to the respiratory port 34. Further,the adapter assembly 22 can include additional components useful inestablishing and maintaining the desired fluid connection, such as aswivel-type coupling, a seal, etc.

Regardless of an exact construction of the ventilator port 32 and therespiratory port 34 and/or related components such as couplings orseals, the housing 30 fluidly interconnects the ports 32, 34. With thisconstruction, then, the adapter assembly 22 can be inserted into apatient breathing circuit and maintain a necessary fluid connectionbetween the ventilator 33 and the patient's respiratory tract.

The access port 36 is configured to allow selective insertion of variousinstruments into the housing 30, and in particular to (and optionallythrough) the respiratory port 34. Thus, in some embodiments, the accessport 36 is axially aligned with the respiratory port 34. With specificreference to FIG. 2B, the access port 36 includes or defines a conduit42 establishing a passageway 44. The passageway 44 is open at a proximalor insertion end 46 of the access port 36, with the insertion end 46including a flange 48 extending radially outwardly from the conduit 42in some embodiments. Regardless, an inner surface 50 of the conduit 42defines a cross-sectional area of the passageway 44 that is sized inaccordance with one or more instruments commonly used in conjunctionwith the adapter assembly 22, including the suction catheter assembly 24as described below.

The flush port 38 projects from the conduit 44 adjacent the insertionend 46, and is fluidly connected to the passageway 44. Moreparticularly, the flush port 38 forms a channel 52 extending between, anopen relative to, an inlet 54 and an outlet 56. The flush port 38 caninclude various features at the inlet 54 that promote fluid connectionto tubing or other components associated with a source of liquid such aswater or saline (not shown) useful for cleaning (or “flushing”) a bodyinserted into the access port 36. For example, a barbed surface 58 isoptionally formed. Regardless, the outlet 56 is formed through or at theinterior surface 50 of the conduit 42 at a known or predeterminedlongitudinal position or distance relative to the insertion end 46. Asdescribed below, the predetermined location of the outlet 56 relative tothe insertion end 46 corresponds with a dimensional attribute of thesuction catheter system 24 (FIG. 1) to better ensure that liquidintroduced at the flush port 38 interfaces with the suction cathetersystem 24 at a desired location.

As a point of reference, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the access port 36as being formed by first and second frame or housing portions 60, 62.The first frame portion 60 is an integrally formed structure of themanifold 30 (i.e., the first frame portion 60 is integrally formed withthe ventilator port 32 and the respiratory port 34), with the secondframe portion 62 defining the insertion end 46. With this construction,the second frame portion 62 is assembled to the first frame portion 60to complete the access port 36, as well as to complete the valve device40. In other embodiments, however, the access port 36 is a homogeneousbody, and does not incorporate two (or more) separable parts.Regardless, the valve device 40 extends across and fluidly seals thepassageway 44, and incorporates features that permit selective insertionof an instrument through the access port 36. Upon removal of theinstrument, the valve device 40 operates to fluidly seal the passageway44 (i.e., seals the insertion end 46 from the ventilator port 32 and therespiratory port 34). One optional construction of the valve device 40is described in greater detail below. In more general terms, the valvedevice 40 can assume a variety of forms useful in facilitating sealedinsertion and removal of instruments through the access port 36 (e.g.,check valve, duck valve, flapper valve, etc.).

As indicated above, and returning to FIG. 1, the suction catheterassembly 24 is configured for use with the adapter assembly 22 via theaccess port 36. With this in mind, one construction of the suctioncatheter assembly 24 in accordance with the present disclosure is shownin greater detail in FIG. 3, and includes a catheter 70, a flexiblesheath 72, a fitting 74, a seal body 76, and a coupler 78. Details onthe various components are provided below. In general terms, however,the catheter 70 is slidably assembled to the fitting 74 via the sealbody 76. Similarly, the flexible sheath 72 is mounted to the fitting 74via the coupler 78. Finally, the fitting 74 is configured to interfacewith the access port 36 (FIG. 1) to permit insertion of the catheter 70through the adapter assembly 22 (FIG. 1), as well as cleaning of thecatheter 70.

The catheter 70 can assume a variety of forms currently known, or in thefuture developed, useful for performing suction procedures on a patientotherwise connected to the breathing circuit. Thus, in some embodiments,the catheter 70 defines one or more lumens 80 (referenced generally)through a length thereof, extending from an opening at a distal end 82.A side opening 84 can further be formed that is open to the lumen 80.With this configuration, the distal end 82 may be extended through theartificial airway 35 (FIG. 1) and into the respiratory tract of thepatient (e.g., the patient's lungs). The lumen 80 is similarly open at aproximal end (not shown) of the catheter 70, that in turn can beconnected to a vacuum source 37 (FIG. 1). Upon placement of the distalend 82 in the patient's respiratory tract and activation of the vacuumsource 37, respiratory secretions in the patient and in the artificialairway 35 can be removed.

The flexible sheath 72 surrounds the catheter 70 apart from the fitting74, and serves to contain and isolate contaminants and mucus that mayaccumulate on the catheter 70 as it is withdrawn from the respiratorytract. In addition, the sheath 72 protects external contaminants fromcontacting the catheter 70. The sheath 72 can assume any form useful forclosed suction catheter applications, and is typically formed of athin-walled plastic.

The fitting 74 includes a hub 90 and a nose 92, and defines a continuouslumen 94 (referenced generally in FIG. 3) extending longitudinallytherethrough. The fitting 74 can be formed from a rigid, surgically safematerial such as stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, etc.

The hub 90 is sized to receive the seal body 76 and the coupler 78, andto interface with the access port 36 (FIG. 1) as described below. Withthis in mind, the hub 90 is defined by opposing, first and second ends96, 98, with the second end 98 having a diameter corresponding with adimensional attribute of the access port 36 to ensure a desiredarrangement of the fitting 74 relative to the access port 36 upon finalassembly. In some embodiments, the hub 90 includes a flange 100maintaining one or more pins 102 adapted to achieve a mountedrelationship with corresponding features of the coupler 78, although awide variety of other mounting techniques are equally acceptable.

The nose 92 is a tubular body extending from second end 98 of the hub90, and terminates at a trailing end 104. The lumen 94 is open at thetrailing end 104, with the nose 92 sized for insertion into the accessport 36 (FIG. 1). The nose 92 forms an exterior surface 106 defining aslightly tapering outer diameter (i.e., from the second end 98 of thehub 90 to the trailing end 104) in some embodiments. In addition, thenose 92 forms a circumferential groove 108 along the exterior surface106 adjacent the trailing end 104, and one or more apertures 110. Thegroove 108 can be an undercut machined into the exterior surface 106during manufacture of the fitting 74. The apertures 110 extend through athickness of the nose 92, establishing a fluid pathway between theexterior surface 106 and the lumen 94. In some embodiments, four of theapertures 110 are formed in an equidistantly spaced fashion and areidentical in size and shape. Alternatively, any other number of theapertures 110 (greater or lesser) is acceptable and/or the apertures 110need not be identical. Regardless, the aperture(s) 110 are formed withina region of the groove 108.

A relationship of the groove 108 and the apertures 110 is furtherreflected in the view of FIG. 4. As shown, the apertures 110 arecircumferentially spaced within the groove 108 (e.g., centered relativeto a longitudinal height of the groove 108), and are open to the lumen94. Further, the groove 108 (and thus the apertures 110) is located at aknown or predetermined longitudinal distance relative to the second end98 of the hub 92. As made clear below, this known relationshipcorresponds with the known relationship of the flush port outlet 56relative to the insertion end 46 of the access port 36 so as to positionthe groove 108 in fluid communication with the outlet 56 upon finalassembly.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the seal body 76 is maintainedwithin the hub 90, and is sized to contact, and seal against, thecatheter 70. The seal body 76 can assume a variety of forms andconstructions, and can incorporate various features that enhancemounting within the hub 90. Regardless, the seal body 76 exhibits atleast a degree of deformability, thereby permitting sliding of thecatheter 70 relative to the seal body 76 while maintaining a fluidlysealed relationship. In some embodiments, the seal body 76 provides awiping-type attribute, whereby contaminants accumulated on the exteriorsurface of the catheter 70 are removed by the seal body 76 as thecatheter 70 is withdrawn therethrough.

The coupler 78 is mountable to the hub 90, and serves to lock the sheath72 against the hub 90 as reflected in FIG. 4. Thus, the coupler 78 canhave a variety of constructions differing from those shown, and mayinclude one or more bores 112 (FIG. 3) sized to receive the pins 102(FIG. 3) in some embodiments.

Connection between the adapter assembly 22 and the suction catheterassembly 24 is shown in FIG. 5A. The nose 92 is inserted into the accessport 36 via the insertion end 46 (e.g., slip fit mounting), therebyestablishing a pathway for the catheter 70 relative to the passageway44. With this arrangement, the distal end 82 of the catheter 70 can bedistally advanced through the manifold 30 and into and through therespiratory port 34 for performing a respiratory tract suctioningprocedure as described above. In this regard, and as better reflected inFIG. 5B, the valve device 40 provides one or more features (such as aslit 120) that permits passage of the catheter 70 while effectuatingre-sealing of the passageway 44 once the catheter 70 is withdrawn.

Returning to FIG. 5A, a clinician may periodically wish to clean orflush the catheter 70, for example the distal end 82, via the flush port38. In this regard, the access port 36 and the fitting 74 are configuredsuch that upon insertion of the nose 92 to the position of FIG. 5A, thecircumferential groove 108 is aligned with the flush port outlet 56. Forexample, and as alluded to above, a longitudinal distance between thegroove 108 and the second end 98 of the hub 90 corresponds with alongitudinal distance between the flush port outlet 56 and the insertionend 46 of the access port 36 such that when the second end 98 is placedinto abutment with the flange 48 of the insertion end 46 (i.e., thesecond end 98 has an outer dimension or diameter greater than acorresponding dimension of the passageway 44 at the insertion end 46),the flush port outlet 56 and the groove 108 are aligned. Notably, avariety of other configurations can additionally or alternatively beemployed to effectuate this aligned relationship (as well as temporarilylocking the fitting 74 to the access port 36). For example, a diameterof the passageway 44 can taper to a dimension less than an outerdiameter of the nose 92 at the trailing end 104 at predeterminedlongitudinal location relative to the flush port outlet 56 thatcorrelates with a longitudinal distance between the trailing end 104 andthe groove 108. Regardless, the inner surface 50 of the conduit 42 andthe exterior surface 106 of the nose 92 have corresponding shapes anddimensions (e.g., corresponding longitudinal taper) such that in theassembled position of FIG. 5A, the exterior surface 106 of the nose 92nests against the inner surface 50 of the conduit 42.

The aligned relationship between the flush port outlet 56 and the groove108 establishes a fluid connection with the apertures 110. Moreparticularly, a seal-like relationship is formed between the innersurface 50 of the conduit 42 and the exterior surface 106 of the nose92. The groove 108 effectively defines a gap or spacing within thisnested interface that fluidly interconnects each of the apertures 110with the flush port outlet 56. Thus, for example, the plurality ofapertures 110 can include a first aperture 110 a and a second aperture110 b. In some arrangements, at least one of the apertures 110 (e.g.,the second aperture 110 b with respect to the one representation of FIG.5A) is not directly aligned with the flush port outlet 56. Liquidentering the flush port channel 52 is forced to the outlet 56 and theninto the groove 108. The groove 108 directs the so-delivered liquid toeach of the apertures 110, including ones of the apertures 110 that arenot directly aligned with the outlet 56 (e.g., liquid is delivered tothe second aperture 110 b via the groove 108). As a point of reference,with a catheter flushing procedure, the catheter 70 can first bewithdrawn relative to the fitting 74 such that the distal end 82 isproximate the apertures 110 so as to better ensure that the deliveredcleaning liquid interfaces with the distal end 82 and can be evacuatedthrough the catheter lumen 80.

In addition to forming the respiratory apparatus 20, the adapterassembly 22 can be used in conjunction with other instruments as desiredby a clinician. For example, the suction catheter assembly 24 can bedisconnected from the access port 36, and a different instrument (e.g.,bronchoscope) inserted therein. Under these circumstances, the flushport 38 remains with the adapter assembly 22, and is therefore availableto perform a cleaning procedure relative to this separate instrument.

As mentioned above, the valve device 40 is provided to maintain afluidly sealed relationship of the access port 36, while permittingperiodic insertion of an instrument therethrough. In some embodiments,the valve device 40 incorporates features that enhance sealing surfaceclosure.

For example, the valve device 40 can include a valve body 200 and avalve seat structure 202 (referenced generally in FIG. 5B). In generalterms, the valve seat structure 202 maintains the valve body 200relative to the passageway 44, with the components 200, 202 configuredin tandem to provide the enhanced sealing. Relative to final assemblywithin the passageway 44, the valve body 202 can be described as havingor defining a first or upstream end 204 and a second or downstream end206. The upstream end 204 is located more proximate the insertion end 46of the access port 36 as compared to the downstream end 206.

The valve body 200 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6A-6C andincludes a base 210 and a wall 212. The wall 212 extends from the base210 to define an internal chamber 214 (referenced generally in FIG. 6B),and has a dome-like shape. The valve body 200 can be formed from avariety of flexible, elastically deformable materials appropriate foreffectuating a fluid-tight seal, such as rubber.

The base 210 is circular or ring-like, and defines a leading side 216and a trailing side 218. Relative to the final assembled position (FIG.5A), then, the leading side 216 forms the upstream end 204. The sides216, 218 are configured for engagement with corresponding features ofthe valve seat structure 202 (FIG. 5A). In this regard, and as describedbelow, the base 210 is caused to asymmetrically flex or deflect inconnection with engaged mounting to the valve seat structure 202. Insome embodiments, to enhance this desired flexation, the base 210 caninclude one or more fingers 220, formed as tapered projections at orfrom the leading side 216 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. An arrangement andconfiguration of the fingers 220 relative to other features of the valvebody 200 and the valve seat structure 202 is made clear below. Inaddition, and as shown in FIG. 6D, a slot 222 can be formed along thetrailing side 218, resulting in a circumferential rib 224, with the slot222/rib 224 providing additional surface area interface with the valveseat structure 202.

With continued reference to FIG. 6D, the wall 212 projects from thetrailing side 218 of the base 210, terminating at a tip 226. The tip 226defines the downstream end 206 (FIG. 5A) of the valve body 200, and isgenerally closed relative to the internal chamber 214. Passage throughthe tip 226 (and thus through the chamber 214) is provided via a slit230 (e.g., akin to the slit 120 of FIG. 5B) formed through a thicknessof the wall 212 (i.e., extending through an interior face 232 and anexterior face 234 of the wall 212). As best shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C,the slit 230 is centered relative to the base 210, and is highly linearor planar. For reasons made clear below, the optional fingers 220 arepositioned perpendicular to a plane of the slit 230 as reflected in FIG.6B.

FIG. 6D illustrates that the slit 230 effectively divides the tip 226into two halves, with each half forming a sealing edge 240 (one of whichis shown in FIG. 6D) along the slit 230. When subjected to a desiredflexation or biasing force, the sealing edges 240 are forced into moreintimate contact with one another, especially along the exterior face234, thereby effectuating a more complete seal. Thus, the sealing edges240 can be forced apart by an instrument (not shown) being insertedthrough the slit 230, but will readily and repeatedly return to a sealedrelationship upon removal of the instrument. In some embodiments, tofurther promote this natural, sealed arrangement, a thickness of thewall 212 is elevated in a region of the slit 230. For example, the wall212 can be described as defining a first portion 242 extending from thebase 210, and a second portion 244 extending from the first portion 242,with the second portion 244 defining the tip 226. With thesedesignations in mind, a thickness of the wall 212 at the tip 226 isgreater than a thickness of the wall 212 along the first portion 242.The elevated thickness along the slit 230 is further illustrated in FIG.6A by formation of a ridge 246.

With the above construction of the valve body 200 in mind, the valveseat structure 202 can be described with initial reference to FIG. 7.The valve seat structure 202 is provided, in some embodiments, as partof the manifold housing 30, and includes an upper circumferentialsurface 250 and a lower circumferential surface 252. The upper surface250 is configured to engage the leading side 216 of the base 210,whereas the lower surface 252 is configured to engage the trailing side218. In this regard, one or both of the surfaces 250, 252 incorporatefeatures that impart a flexation or biasing force upon the base 210.

In some embodiments, the upper and lower surfaces 250, 252 are formed byseparable parts of the manifold housing 30, for example the first andsecond frame portions 60, 62, respectively, as mentioned above. Withthis in mind, FIGS. 8A-8C shows the first frame portion 60 removed froma remainder of the manifold 30, and illustrates the upper surface 250 ingreater detail. More particularly, the upper surface 250 includes orforms one or more circumferential shoulders 260 each having at least onesegment of increased height. For example, a first shoulder 260 a can bedescribed as extending from a bottom side 262 to an engagement face 264.A dimension of this extension defines a height of the shoulder 260 a.With these conventions in mind, the first shoulder 260 a varies inheight along the circumference thereof, for example defining first andsecond raised segments 266 a, 266 b, and first and second loweredsegments 268 a, 268 b. The raised segments 266 a, 266 b arecircumferentially spaced from one another via the lowered segments 268a, 268 b, with the raised segments 266 a, 266 b having an increasedheight as compared to the lowered segments 268 a, 268 b. As a point ofreference, FIG. 8B illustrates the shoulder 260 a tapering in heightfrom the raised segments 266 a, 266 b to the first lowered segment 268a, whereas FIG. 8C illustrates the shoulder 260 a increasing in heightfrom the lowered segments 268 b, 268 b to the first raised segment 266a. A spatial location of the raised segments 266 a, 266 b relativefeatures of the valve body 200 (FIG. 7) upon final assembly is describedbelow, clarifying biasing or flexation in the valve body 200 due to theexistence of the raised segments 266 a, 266 b.

As a point of reference, FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate the upper surface 250 ashaving three of the shoulders 260 (with each of the shoulders 260 havingraised segments that are radially aligned with one another).Alternatively, a greater or lesser number of the shoulders 260 can beprovided. Further, the first frame portion 60 can include additionalfeatures that facilitate mounting of the valve body 200 (FIG. 7), suchas radial projections 270.

The lower surface 252 can include similar features as shown in FIGS.9A-9C (that otherwise illustrate a portion of the manifold 30 with thefirst frame portion 60 removed). The lower surface 252 includes or isdefined by a circumferential rib 280, with the rib 280 having a varyingheight. More particularly, the rib 280 extends from a bottom 282 to anengagement face 284, with the distance of extension defining the heightof the rib 280. With this in mind, the rib 280 can be described asdefining first and second raised segments 286 a, 286 b, and first andsecond lowered segments 288 a, 288 b. The raised segments 286 a, 286 bare circumferentially spaced from one another by the lowered segments288 a, 288 b, with the raised segments 286 a, 286 b having an elevatedheight as compared to the lowered segments 288 a, 288 b. As a point ofreference, FIG. 9B illustrates the rib 280 tapering in height from thefirst and second raised segments 286 a, 286 b to the first loweredsegment 288 a. Conversely, FIG. 9C illustrates the rib 280 increasing inheight from the first and second lowered segments 288 a, 288 b to thefirst raised segment 286 a. A spatial location of the raised segments286 a, 286 b relative features of the valve body 200 (FIG. 7) upon finalassembly is described below, clarifying biasing or flexation in thevalve body 200 due to the existence of the raised segments 286 a, 286 b.Additional features can further be incorporated that enhance the desiredinterface with the valve body 200, for example a radial, convex undercut290 formed along the raised segments 286 a, 286 b.

Final assembly of the valve device 40 is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Thevalve body 200 is mounted to the valve seat structure 202 via pinchedengagement of the base 210 between the upper and lower surfaces 250,252. In this regard, the increased height features of the surfaces 250,252 are longitudinally aligned. For example, and with specific referenceto FIG. 10A, the first raised segment 266 a of the upper surface 250 islongitudinally aligned with the first raised segment 286 a of the lowersurface 252; similarly, the second raised segments 266 b, 286 b are alsolongitudinally aligned. Notably, the valve body 200 is arranged suchthat the raised segments 266 a/286 a, 266 b/286 b are generally parallelwith a plane of the slit 230 for reasons made clear below.

At the region of interface of the raised segments 266 a/286 a and 266b/286 b, an increased compression force is imparted on to thecorresponding portion of the base 210 (as compared to the compressionforce imparted on to the base 210 at regions corresponding with thelowered segments 268 a/288 a and 268 b/288 b interface illustrated inFIG. 10B). The base 210, in turn, flexes in response to thisasymmetrical bias, effectively transferring a “pushing” type force orbias on to the exterior face 234 of the wall 212 and a “pulling” typeforce or bias on to the interior face 232. In other words, because thevalve seat structure 202 imparts a non-uniform force on to the base (dueto the non-uniform heights of the corresponding surfaces 250, 252), thetransmitted forces cause the wall 212 to “pucker” or flex in a plane ofthe slit 230. This effect is further enhanced by the optional fingers220; as shown, the valve body 200 is arranged such that the fingers 220are located at the raised segment 266 a/286 a, 266 b/286 b interfaces,increasing the biasing or puckering force imparted on to the base 210.

Due to the above-described non-uniform flexing of the base 210, theopposing sealing edges 240 a, 240 b at the slit 230 are self-biased to atightly sealed relationship, with the biasing being more focused at theexterior face 234. In other words, relative to the plane of the view ofFIG. 10A, the biasing forces imparted on to the valve body 200 areparallel to a plane of the slit 230. Conversely, and relative to theplane of the view of FIG. 10B, the asymmetrical valve seat structure 202does not cause or force pressure changes in a direction perpendicular tothe sealing edge 240 a shown.

The above construction of the valve device 40 represents a markedimprovement over previous valve configurations employed with airwayaccess adapters. A more consistent, long-term seal is provided, yetdesired insertion and withdrawal of instruments through the valve device40 can occur. Notably, this same valve device construction can beemployed with alternative airway access adapters that do not otherwiseincorporate the closed suction catheter assembly interface featuresdescribed above. Similarly, the benefits provided with the respiratoryapparatus (e.g., flushing of a connected suction catheter) can beachieved with entirely different valve device constructions.

Although the present disclosure has been described with respect topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges can be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of connecting a respiratory device to anartificial airway, the method comprising: providing a valve seat in anaccess port of a manifold, the valve seat having an uppercircumferential surface and a lower circumferential surface; retaining avalve assembly via the valve seat, the valve assembly including: a basewith a substantially planar upper surface contacting the uppercircumferential surface of the valve seat and a lower surface contactingthe lower circumferential surface of the valve seat and a wall extendingfrom the base with a slit that is formed through the wall with opposingsealing edges, wherein two circumferentially discontinuous portions areon the upper surface at opposing sides of the slit, each forming asegment of increased height from the planar upper surface, thecircumferentially discontinuous portions contacting the uppercircumferential surface of the valve seat and forcing the opposingsealing edges into engagement; connecting the manifold within abreathing circuit that fluidly connects a respiratory device to anartificial airway.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the segment ofincreased height is positioned perpendicular to a plane of the slit. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the wall extends fromthe base and a second portion of the wall extends from the first portionto the slit, and further wherein a thickness of the wall in a region ofthe slit is greater than a thickness of the wall along the firstportion.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: inserting adistal end of a medical instrument into the access port; and advancingthe distal end through the slit and toward a respiratory port of themanifold; wherein the sealing edges of the slit separate about thedistal end.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising withdrawing thedistal end from the valve body; wherein upon withdrawal of the distalend from the slit, the valve body returns to a sealed state in which theopposing edges seal against one another.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein segment of increased height of the valve seat structure impartsa force onto the base that forces the valve body to return to the sealedstate.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the lower circumferentialsurface of the valve seat comprises a rib having circumferentiallyspaced, first and second raised segments, the first and second raisedsegments causing the base to more overtly flex at regions in contactwith the raised segments.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the uppercircumferential surface of the valve seat comprises a shoulder havingcircumferentially spaced, first and second raised segments, the firstand second raised segments causing the base to more overtly flex atregions in contact with the raised segments.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein upon assembly, the raised segments of the lower circumferentialsurface are longitudinally aligned with respective ones of the raisedsegments of the upper circumferential surface.
 10. A method ofconnecting a respiratory device to an artificial airway, the methodcomprising: fluidly connecting a ventilator port of an adapter assemblyto a ventilating device; fluidly connecting a respiratory port of theadapter assembly to the artificial airway; establishing a fluidconnection between the ventilating device and the artificial airway viathe adapter assembly; connecting a catheter assembly to an access portof the adapter assembly, wherein the adapter assembly includes amanifold, the manifold comprising a valve assembly having a base with asubstantially planar upper surface contacting the upper circumferentialsurface of the valve seat and a lower surface contacting the lowercircumferential surface of the valve seat and a wall extending from thebase with a slit that is formed through the wall with opposing sealingedges, wherein two circumferentially discontinuous portions are on theupper surface at opposing sides of the slit, each forming a segment ofincreased height from the planar upper surface, the circumferentiallydiscontinuous portions contacting the upper circumferential surface ofthe valve seat and forcing the opposing sealing edges into engagement.11. The method of claim 10, wherein the segment of increased height ispositioned perpendicular to a plane of the slit.
 12. The method of claim10, wherein a first portion of the wall extends from the base and asecond portion of the wall extends from the first portion to the slit,and further wherein a thickness of the wall in a region of the slit isgreater than a thickness of the wall along the first portion.
 13. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising: inserting a distal end of amedical instrument into the access port; and advancing the distal endthrough the slit and toward a respiratory port; wherein the sealingedges of the slit separate about the distal end.
 14. The method of claim13, further comprising withdrawing the distal end from the valve body;wherein upon withdrawal of the distal end from the slit, the valve bodyreturns to a sealed state in which the opposing edges seal against oneanother.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the segment of increasedheight of the valve seat structure imparts a force onto the base thatforces the valve body to return to the sealed state.
 16. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the lower circumferential surface of the valve seatcomprises a rib having circumferentially spaced, first and second raisedsegments, the first and second raised segments causing the base to moreovertly flex at regions in contact with the raised segments.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the upper circumferential surface of thevalve seat comprises a shoulder having circumferentially spaced, firstand second raised segments, the first and second raised segments causingthe base to more overtly flex at regions in contact with the raisedsegments.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein upon assembly, the raisedsegments of the lower circumferential surface are longitudinally alignedwith respective ones of the raised segments of the upper circumferentialsurface.